After criticism from IPL captains, RCB coach passes contrasting verdict on Impact Player rule: 'Interesting but tricky’

IPL captains like Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel have expressed concerns about the Impact Player rule.

Published on: Mar 28, 2026, 06:13:10 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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The Impact Player rule has come under criticism ahead of IPL 2026. Leading voices in cricket, like Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma, have called out the rule for taking away all-rounders' skill set in matches. RCB head coach Andy Flower also joined the bandwagon, sharing his opinion on the rule.

Andy Flower passed his verdict on the Impact Player rule. (PTI)

Speaking ahead of the IPL 2026 season opener between RCB and SRH, Flower said, "I think it has been a good innovation, it's interesting to be part of it. You're making decisions on the impact player, and I think it's interesting for the audience to debate what's right and what's wrong, so tactically it's quite an interesting addition to the game."

Also Read: Virat Kohli ‘at peak of his powers’ ahead of IPL 2026, Andy Flower makes powerful assertion about his current mindset

‘A little bit tricky’

He also felt that it makes selecting a team for a match more 'tricky'.

"I must say that one of the things I love about cricket is that when you select an 11, one of the challenges you have is balancing your 11 - the length of the batting order, balancing, perhaps, some guys that can't feel that well and it's one of the things that makes selection a little bit tricky," he said.

"The impact player rule hides that selection problem a little, so I think one of the great things about cricket is some of the debates around selection and when you select single-skilled players, you weaken another area of your game, the impact player can hide that, so there are pros and cons I think to it," he added.

Apart from Gill, Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel have also expressed concerns about the rule. Gill, who is the ODI and Test captain, said that the rule should not exist and that it takes the skill out of the sport.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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